Iola Elizabeth "Betty" Ferguson, 89, of Valley Lee, MD died at her home on Sunday, December 18, 2011. Born September 26, 1922 in Washington, DC, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Gertrude Plowman.

She married W. McGordon Ferguson on May 15, 1941 a union that endured for 62 years. They met while working at the flagship Woodward and Lothrop Department Store in downtown DC.

While her husband was serving in the Navy, in the Pacific Theatre of WW11, she became active in the Order of Eastern Star, an associated body of the Masons. In 1945 at the age of 23, she served as the head of her Eastern Star Chapter, Takoma No. 12, in DC. At the time of her passing , she was the Chapter's Senior Living Past Matron. She was also a Life Member of Julia Halla Chapter No. 107, OES, in California, MD. Mrs. Ferguson's association with the Masons spanned four generations, being the daughter and the grandmother of Master Masons, the wife of a Past Master of a DC Masonic Lodge and the mother of a Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of DC. From the 1940's into the 1970's, Mrs. Ferguson managed the Capital Nurse Registry.

After residing in Kensington, MD for 20 years, Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson retired to St. Mary's County, moving into their waterfront dream home. Over the next 25 years, both served as volunteers and appointees in several local civic and church groups, including the Hospice of St. Mary's County. Her husband passed away in September 2003.

Mrs. Ferguson was the last surviving member of her generation of siblings and spouses in both families. She is survived by a son, Gordon Lee Ferguson, of Kensington, MD, a daughter, Judith Hansen-Childers of Gardiner, ME, three grandchildren, and one great grandchild, with a second expected in January.

The family will receive friends for Betty's Life Celebration at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m with a Eastern Star Memorial Service at 5:30 p.m., followed by a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 22, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at St. George Episcopal Church, 19167 Poplar Hill Lane, Valley Lee, MD. Interment will follow in the church cemetery, next to her husband.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary's, Inc., P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650 or St. George's Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 30, Valley Lee, MD 20692.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.